The Searching Girl

Hey, that lady looks really worried about something. Think we should talk to her?

Madam, is there anything troubling you?

Slow down, Prai!

Ah! Greetings, travelers! I hate to impose, but could you offer me some aid?

Certainly. Ask and ye shall receive.

Well, my neighbor's daughter hasn't returned home, and it's almost dark out. Her father went out to search for her, but he's taking his time, too...

Where were they headed?

The shores of Lake Tiilen.

Leave this to us, Madam. Take care on your way home, the roads can get dangerous at night.

Thank you, kind sir.

You, sir! Are you injured?

I've just twisted my ankle a little. I should be ready to stand again now. Thank you for your concern.

Say, I believe I know you. Were you not a head priest in days of old?

Hm? Oh, that garb you wear...

Indeed, I am the current head of our order. My name is Prai.

Ah yes, I've heard good things about you. They say your passion burns as fiercely as Salamander's flames.

You honor me, Your Grace. I never knew you had a daughter.

Yes. She should be around here somewhere... Will you help me look for her?

You're in no condition to be walking around a place like this.

Leave the search to us. Return to the village, we'll bring your daughter back.

Thank you. I suppose I would only slow you down with my leg like this. My daughter said she was looking for a rare flower that blooms in these parts.

A flower?

Yes, she's hoping its lovely fragrance will lift the spirits of a sick friend of hers.

I see. Rest assured, Your Grace, we will find her and make sure she's safe.

Thank you. I leave this in your hands.

Speaking of which, Prai... I was thinking about something.

Hmmm... What is it, Aldo?

You once told me about the different divisions of the priests. Was there a position for Head Priest at that time?

Oh, so that's what you're worried about! There was until recently. As of now the position of head priest is no longer held and that work is now done by others.

That's right! There are various groups within the church.

Hmph... The replacement for the Supreme Cardinal 15 years ago... That means...

Hm? Could that be her over there?

You get what I'm saying right? Come with me...

No, I can't.

That must be the head priest's kid. Good thing we found her.

She's not alone, though. And I don't think that young man is from the village.

Well, maybe we've got the wrong...

Prai! There he goes again...

Pardon me, are you the head priest's daughter?

Huh? Uh...yes.

Oh great. It's getting crowded around here. Just think about what I said, all right?

Wait! Get back here, young man!

......

Are you all right? You look a little pale.

Oh, yes, I'm fine... Did you need something from me?

Your father asked us to track you down. You've been gone some time now, he's quite concerned.

Father... I knew I'd been gone too long. I'm sorry.

Save the apologies for your father. Who was that young man, by the way? Were you with him this whole time?

No, I just ran into him a moment ago. He was only a passing traveler.

The two of you seemed awfully...familiar. You know, there are safer places for illicit meetings.

Prai, maybe we shouldn't meddle. A girl deserves a little bit of privacy, right?

Ah, of course. Please forgive me. I lapsed into my old preaching habits. Now, according to your father, you are seeking some flowers. Is this true?

That's right, but they're very rare. I haven't seen any anywhere.

It's getting late. You should go on home, we'll find them for you.

Huh? That's...very kind of you. Are you sure you want to do this?

I wish to put your father at ease. Aldo, I trust you have no objections?

Sure. You shouldn't be walking around a place like this alone at night.

Wow, well, thank you! The flowers I'm looking for are called Golden Bell Blossoms.

Go back to Ratle, my child, we shall bring them to your home later.

I believe these are the Golden Bell Blossoms.

Are you sure?

Quite sure. Don't they smell lovely?

Wow, they do! Okay, let's pick some and get out of here.

Wait, Aldo! You mustn't pull them out too quick!

Huh? Should I...not have done that?

Whoa, what in the, that reeks! Where'd this smell come from?!

These flowers emit a foul-smelling gas as a self-defense mechanism.

Why didn't you tell me that sooner? Urgh, feels like my nose is gonna fall off!

I'm afraid that's not the worst of it, Aldo.

There's more? What could possibly be worse?

A certain kind of monster is attracted by this odor.

Oh great, that's all we need. The odds are stacked against us this time, huh?

Have faith, my child. This nose of mine will not be cowed by the stench of evil!

Phew, I can finally breathe. Deep breaths, deep breaths...

Looks like the air's started to clear, thank the stars.

Try to be more gentle this time. Take your time and don't force it.

Got it. Sorry about rushing in before. Here we go...

That's more like it. Now, let's return to Ratle. We oughtn't keep a lady waiting.

Ah, here we are, home and safe again, eh?

Our business is not complete yet. Young lady?

Y-Yes?

Here are the flowers you were seeking. I trust these will be enough.

You found them, that's wonderful! And impressive for a man of your age.

My age?! Just how old do you think I am?

Hey, don't take it personally. You probably seem really old to a kid like her.

What?! I was still in my 20s at that time!

"Really old?" I'm still in my twenties!

My dear, what were you doing all this time, anyway?

I... I'm sorry, I just wanted to find these flowers so badly, and I lost track of time. That's all.

I see... Well, try to take better care in future. As for you fellows, please accept my thanks for all you've done for us.

It was nothing. As you know, helping those in need is one of the founding principles of our order.

Ah yes, of course.

By the way, miss. About that young gentleman...

Oh, thank you for everything! Excuse me, I'm going to go give these to my friend right now. Oh, and...if you don't mind me saying so, you might want to take a bath.

...!

Aldo, I believe we paid a heavy price in retrieving these flowers.

*sniff sniff*

Aw geez, it's all over us!